The Central Labour Department has turned its attention to the wage conditions of technicians employed by Air India Engineering Services Limited (AIESL), a public sector undertaking currently facing a strike. Workers are protesting the alleged refusal to issue relieving letters to some colleagues who resigned.
Resolution Expected, But Larger Issues Remain
An official stated that while the immediate issue is anticipated to be resolved shortly, broader concerns such as low wages require further examination. AIESL operates an aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) depot in Nagpur, along with five other centers, where technicians have gone on strike.
Salary Disparities Highlighted
Data received by the deputy labour commissioner's office indicates that technicians at the Nagpur MRO earn between Rs 25,000 and Rs 27,000 per month. Wages were lower previously and were only increased after protests a few years ago. The official compared this to other organizations in aircraft maintenance, including some airlines, which pay up to Rs 40,000 for similar roles. Technicians at AIESL typically reach the Rs 40,000 mark only after several years of service.
Resignations and Bond Issues
A technician remarked that those leaving can easily secure double the wages elsewhere. One resigning employee was even offered an upgradation course by the new company, which would immediately push his salary into five figures. In Nagpur, four technicians have resigned. Two have completed their notice period, and formalities to terminate their services are expected to commence soon. The other two will complete their notice period in the first week of June, after which they may also be relieved. Issues such as payment of bond amounts before quitting may also be reviewed, according to sources.
Nagpur MRO: A Key Project
The Nagpur MRO, located in the MIHAN-SEZ, is among the first units established there. Built by US aircraft manufacturer Boeing and later handed over to AIESL for operations, it has been one of the city's most publicized projects, often cited as a symbol of development.
Recent Operations Amid Strike
On Monday, the AIESL MRO received a Boeing 777 for maintenance. Two aircraft that were held up in the hangar due to the strike flew out last week after work was completed. Despite ongoing operations, striking technicians allege that the management has engaged third-party workers and brought in retired employees to fill the gaps.
